Kevin Sinfield shares success tips with Cockburn students

Kevin Sinfield MBE, visited Cockburn School on two separate days in July to speak to students about success and how to achieve it.

Kevin Sinfield with students at Cockburn School

Sinfield played his entire professional career with Leeds Rhinos and is one of the most successful players in Super League history, having captained the team to seven Super League championships and two Challenge Cup successes. He also earned many individual accolades.

After his playing career ended he joined the Rugby Football League as rugby director before recently being confirmed as the new Leeds Rhinos Director of Rugby.

Sinfield was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2014 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league. He also became the first rugby league player to be nominated for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, finishing in second place behind Andy Murray in 2015.

Kevin told the students that “To become a champion, you have to be a champion at home first”. Here are some highlights of an inspirational and ‘no-nonsence’ presentation:

Career Highlights – Winning the treble and captaining England

Best mate in the Rhinos – Jamie Jones-Buchanan

Toughest player in the Rhinos – Jamie Peacock

Alternative career choice – PE teacher

Inspriation – Rugby League legend Ellery Hanley and Sinfield’s younger brother growing up and learning from his mistakes!

The Cockburn students had the chance to pose a host of questions to Kevin after listening to his presentation. When asked about the future of former Cockburn School student Jordan Baldwinson, who captained England Under 18s and left the Rhinos for Wakefield, Kevin said that Jordan had a bright future ahead of him thanks to his oustanding perseverence.